Defense

Holloman, German Air Force fly last mission as next-door neighbors

A German air force Tornado and an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron fly in formation together during the last joint flying mission at Holloman Air Force Base, Aug. 17, 2017. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

As a German air force Tornado and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon taxi down Holloman’s runway for takeoff Aug. 17, 2017, it is the beginning of the end — a conclusion of more than two decades of training and friendship.

This flight is the last time both German and U.S. Air Force pilots — the senior leaders — at Holloman Air Force Base will fly together.

“To interact with a different culture on a daily basis, not just during leisure times, but at the duty station creates mutual respect and the basis for friendships and comradery that lasts a lifetime,” said Col. Stephan Breidenbach, German air force Flying Training Center commander. “After more than 20 years of joint operations with the U.S. Air Force we are all feeling sad about leaving Holloman AFB and the Southwest.”

The German air force began training with U.S. aircrews in 1958. Although training has moved to several different locations, the German air force has called Holloman AFB, “zuhause,” or home, since 1992.

Over the last 25 years, the German air force Flying Training Center has trained hundreds of pilots, flown thousands of missions, and captured a million memories through one unique partnership.

The primary mission of the GAF at Holloman is to train Tornado aircrews through a basic weapons system course, instructor course and fighter weapons instructor course. The GAF also teaches advanced tactical training for Tornado fighter bomber units.

Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Stacy Jonsgaard

A German air force Tornado aircraft and an F-16 Fighting Falcon perform a final joint flying mission here at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The German air force has entered its final stage of departure, however they are not expected to complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

This provides the Luftwaffe, or German air force, with the expert skills they need to fly missions around the world in support of Germany and its joint partners like the United States. Germany is a partner with the U.S. in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and contributes to the anti-ISIS coalition.

Additionally, two of the Air Force’s regional commands, United States European Command and United States Africa Command, are stationed outside the continental United States — both in Germany. Also, the largest military hospital outside the U.S. is in Landstuhl, Germany. All of these operations have added to the heritage of friendship between Germany and the U.S.

Holloman’s RPA and F-16 warriors are critical assets around the world to U.S. military forces as well as joint and coalition partners.

“While our missions may be different, as war fighters, we are focused on the same goals,” said Col. James Keen, 54th Fighter Group commander. “We are focused on taking care of our people, taking pride in our service and performing as the professionals we are.”

Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Stacy Jonsgaard

A German air force Tornado aircraft and an F-16 Fighting Falcon perform a final joint flying mission here at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The German air force has entered its final stage of departure, however they are not expected to complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Over the past 25 years, the GAF has interacted daily with Holloman Airmen.

This unique joint environment allows both forces to learn from each other, which goes beyond daily military operations. They each have shared their war stories, family photos and even battled in a friendly soccer match each year. They also shared their unique cultural celebrations such as 4th of July and Oktoberfest.

While German flying operations are winding down at Holloman AFB, their departure is not yet finished. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman until mid-2019. And with that, each passing day and every flight becomes more and more significant to each partner at Holloman.

Air Force photograph by Maj. Bradford “Emcon” Brizek

A German air force Tornado and an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation together during the last joint flying mission here at Holloman Air Force Base, Aug. 17, 2017. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

After the Tornado and F-16 taxi to their final positions on Holloman’s flightline, the pilots emerge weary, but proud with the aerial mission deemed a success. They have flow together — one last time – before they have to say goodbye.

Despite the departure of the GAF’s training mission at Holloman, the friendships that were built in the high desert of Southern New Mexico will live on in the proud heritages of the Luftwaffe and United States Air Force.

“This final mission has forever forged our bonds as Airmen,” said Col. Houston Cantwell, 49th Wing commander. “This mission is now part of both our histories and our heritage as Airmen. This unique and valuable partnership has served both countries, and your positive impact on the Alamogordo community will not soon be forgotten. To our German allies, we can only now say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ and wish you well until we meet again.”

Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Chase Cannon

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron flies toward White Sands National Monument as part of the last joint flying mission with a German air force Tornado at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The German Air Force has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Chase Cannon

A German air force Tornado aircraft and an F-16 Fighting Falcon perform their last flight together with senior leaders from their respective commands here at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The German air force has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Chase Cannon

A German air force Tornado aircraft prepares to land following its last flying mission with an F-16 Fighting Falcon here at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The German air force has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Maj. Bradford “Emcon” Brizek

A German air force Tornado and an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron fly in formation together during the last joint flying mission at Holloman Air Force Base, Aug. 17, 2017. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Junk

A German air force crew chief guides a GAF Tornado in with an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 314th Fighter Squadron during the last joint flying mission together here at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 17, 2017. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Junk

Col. James Keen, 54th Fighter Group commander, coins Maj. Lars Parlow, German air force Tornado pilot following the last joint flying mission here at Holloman Air Force Base, Aug. 17, 2017. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Air Force photograph by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Junk

Col. Stephan Breidenbach, German air force Flying Training Center commander and Col. Houston Cantwell, 49th Wing commander, talk after flying the last mission as next-door neighbors. The GAF has entered its final stage of departure, however they will not complete their departure from Holloman AFB until mid-2019.

Share

Lastest Digital Edition

LA County Air Show, featuring the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and more! Includes flight line map and information on aerial performances and static displays. Presented by Lockheed Martin at Fox Airfield, Lancaster CA, March 24 & 25 2018.

AV Veteran Talk- Bob Alvis

Each week, Bob Alvis interviews local veterans, community volunteers and aerospace related guests on AV Veterans Talk, sponsored by Aerotech News and Review. The podcasts are uploaded to the Aerotech News and Review Facebook page as well as our YouTube channel.

Instagram Feed

News U.S., Taliban to Meet Monday in UAE – A Pakistan-arranged meeting between U.S. and Taliban officials will be held Dec. 17 in the United Arab Emirates to push a political settlement to the war in Afghanistan. Business Australia, Naval Group conclude sub negotiations – Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne confirmed that the...

Papers We Publish

Publisher

Aerotech News and Review, published the first and third Friday of the month, serves the aerospace and defense industry of Southern California, Nevada and Arizona.

News and ad copy deadline is noon on the Tuesday prior to publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for error in ads other than space used.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or Aerotech News and Review, Inc., of the products or services advertised.